Winter 2026 – Special Update

Happy New Year, Friend!

At the beginning of 2025, the RedRover team was uncertain about how the year would unfold – not only for our supporters, like you, but also for the pets and families who depend on us. Pets are family, after all, and whatever changes families endured would also affect them. But we knew we could count on the recurring support of our FurEver Friends to be there for pets and families when they needed us because you share our deep commitment to helping animals. And Friend, you were there for pets and families in crisis, not only with your generous support, but with your hope and compassion as well. Thank you!

Neither hope nor compassion is easily quantified, but we can make some approximations:

In 2025, 3,609 FurEver Friends contributed $684,473 to our lifesaving mission
Together with all of our supporters, you provided emergency veterinary care to 581 animals with RedRover Relief Urgent Care grants
Through the RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant program, you protected 256 pets from domestic violence with 6,673 nights of boarding
With a RedRover Relief Safe Housing grant, 6 domestic violence shelters and 2 homeless shelters became pet friendly for the first time
You assisted more than 3,369 animals through the RedRover Responders program with emergency sheltering, spay/neuter, wellness, and vaccine clinics

We receive hundreds of messages of gratitude from families and sometimes their pets each year. My pup Delaney, an ambassador if there ever was one, wanted to express thanks on behalf of all the furry family members you helped. Some things may have been lost in translation, but the gratitude is there all the same.

She can be so eloquent.

You might be wondering, how can we continue making a difference for pets and families in 2026? Let's find out.

JANUARY

Generosity has its perks, especially come tax season. You'll need your 2025 annual statement to claim all of your recurring donations on your tax return. We've made it easy for you this year by emailing your annual statement. Statements were emailed on Tuesday, January 20. If you have questions about your annual statement or need additional support, please contact me at sverdon@RedRover.org or reply to this email, and I will be happy to help.

FEBRUARY

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Emergency dental surgery is one of the most common reasons families apply for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant. And it is an emergency – untreated dental disease can cause heart valve, liver, kidney, bone, and blood infections. Not to mention the pain and loss of appetite...and the funky breath.

As much as your pet may dislike it, brushing their teeth daily will go a long way in keeping them healthy. And if your pet loves it, teach me your ways. There are also plenty of options for dental-friendly diets, treats, and other supplements you and your pet can choose from! The Veterinary Oral Health Council gives its Seal of Acceptance to products with proven effective plaque and tartar control.

MARCH

It's hard to believe 2025 has come and gone! When we launched the 25 by 2025 campaign in 2022, it was with the belief that no domestic violence survivor should be forced to choose between their safety and their pet. We're making continued progress toward helping survivors everywhere find safety and a new chapter with their pet, and we want you to know how far we've come. Join us for the 25 by 2025 campaign wrap-up call on Thursday, March 19, to see where we've been, where we're going, and how we'll get there together.

You may know of "the Link" between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, but do you know how laws work to protect both animals and vulnerable people? Don't Forget the Pets will be joined by the Animal Legal Defense Fund to discuss the Link, explore state and territorial laws, and examine mandatory reporting laws. Learn how professionals across a wide range of disciplines can help protect both human and animal victims by reporting suspected abuse and neglect. Register today for the Thursday, March 26, presentation, Protecting All Victims.

FurEver Friends Fun Poll

Thank you for the many responses to our previous poll! I'm glad to see I'm in good company when it comes to getting all the kisses. But you "no way" folk are on to something. Sometimes my younger dog will give me kisses, and I'll remember I watched him lick something questionable last time we were out. Do I stop him in that moment? No. Is my immune system stronger for it? I hope so.

Last summer, I asked what percent of your monthly budget went toward your pet. Many of us had simply stopped counting. With food, veterinary care, and everything in between, it can add up to a dizzying number. But there's always room in the budget for a little something special, right? So tell me, was your pet on the naughty list this year, or did you get them a gift to unwrap with the family?